A lot has changed for the 49ers since their last game against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 30 last season.
For one, Brock Purdy has stepped in and assumed the role of franchise quarterback. Christian McCaffrey has also fully embedded himself into the 49ers offense and made it look like a juggernaut.
Last year’s matchup in Los Angeles marked McCaffrey’s first full week of preparation with the Niners after he was acquired 10 days earlier. He burst onto the scene by accomplishing a rare trifecta – rushing, receiving and passing for a touchdown in a 31-14 win over the Rams.
While speaking with reporters on Thursday in Santa Clara, 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel and Purdy shared their fond memories of McCaffrey’s breakout game with the team.
“He’s like a Swiss Army knife,” Deebo Samuel said of CMC. “(Coach) Kyle (Shanahan) does a really good job of putting him in different positions and the way they get him the ball. I didn’t play that game. I was just watching, so it was really cool to see how he attacks the game.”
Purdy said he enjoyed the surprise game plan being installed during the week, but seeing McCaffrey execute it was another thing.
“I was like, ‘This is going to be fun to watch. I don't think anyone's really going to expect what we're about to do with him.’” Purdy said. “And so we were all pumped about it. And then when he actually performed and did what he did, we're like, ‘Man, this is going to be fun having him in our offense now with everyone else.’”
Well, the 49ers haven’t lost a regular season game since, averaging 30.5 points per game in those 11 consecutive victories. Call it the CMC effect. With all the playmakers and a legit RB1, the Niners have finally looked like an offensive powerhouse under Shanahan, who is renowned for his offensive play design.
Considering that Deebo and Elijah Mitchell were on the sidelines for last year’s matchup in Los Angeles, and are both in line to play this weekend, the Rams now have to worry about Purdy and his full arsenal of weapons.